Hi Byron: That's really interesting! So, when I get the plants, I'll do a water change aiming for 2 ppm ammonia in the tank. Then let the plants acclimate to the water and the stress of replanting. Then I'll add several fish. It'll mostly be common tropical fish, nothing exotic or super expensive.

When the plants arrive, I would do a major water change; idea is to remove all ammonia, but whatever little is left after this, the plants will handle. I would also have some liquid fertilizer on hand to dose the tank the first day. Some say do this, others don't. I always do. Plants need nutrients, and in a new tank with no organics to create nutrients, I think it best to add some. I recommend Seachem's Flourish Comprehensive Suplement as the best; it only takes a very small amount, for a 55g this would be 1/2 teaspoon once a week. Make sure it is Flourish Comprehensive, they make several different products under the "Flourish" name.

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Is it fair to say you can create a biological filtration by either having live plants OR having nitates remove the nitrites?

I always plant new tanks and add fish the same day I set it up, and I haven't lost anything yet. Ammonia and nitrite are zero, or at any rate undetectable with the API test. The plants handle it. There are also probably a lot of bacteria on the plants and wood, since I tend to move these from existing tanks, and bacteria will colonize all surfaces under water. I tend to advise others to go slow, to be safe. But I can set up a 115g aquarium with new filter/media and substrate in one day and have it running by the end of the day with 90+ fish in it. As long as you know what you're doing, this is easy.

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So, let me ask you this: Could you create a biologically balanced new tank, that would be fish friendly, just by planting live plants and feeding the plants?

The tank would be fish-ready and they would be fine, as explained in the two previous responses. The "established" takes time regardless. In any "new" tank the biology has to sort itself out, and as I mentioned earlier many factors influence this, from the water params, number and type of fish, number and type of plants, substrate and decor, filtration, light, fish food, etc. During the initial break-in towards establishment, there will be some fluctuation in water conditions, and there are some fish that do not adjust to this, so we wait before adding those.

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I find this really interesting Byron, if there's any articles out there that describe this, let me know...I don't want to waste your time...with all these questions, because I'm going to have a lot more once I get the tank established and going!
Thanks again, you're a wealth of knowledge!
Never Quit

Thank you. We all learn from asking; I am still learning after 20 years of fish. I learn from others on this forum and research; in life we never stop learning.

The aquarist is one who must learn the ways of the biologist, the chemist, and the veterinarian.[unknown source]

Something we all need to remember: The fish you've acquired was quite happy not being owned by you, minding its own business. If you’re going to take it under your wing then you’re responsible for it. Every aspect of its life is under your control, from water quality and temperature to swimming space. [Nathan Hill in PFK]

Byron: Thanks for the information...EXCELLENT! I have one question, that may be tough to answer: I'm about to get some plants for the 55....HOW MANY plants would I need to maintain a biologically balanced tank? I would think that's a tough question...I think it would be the product of species and size. That being said, can I use my intuitive notion, and looking at the planted tank say "Yes, that looks like the density of plants isn't too great." On the other side of that coin, I think it would be possible to overstock with plants. In that situation you could look at the fish and see they have no room to swim. Are there any pictures on line that would show what a good, healthy planted tank looks like?
Thanks again
Never Quit

Byron: Thanks for the information...EXCELLENT! I have one question, that may be tough to answer: I'm about to get some plants for the 55....HOW MANY plants would I need to maintain a biologically balanced tank? I would think that's a tough question...I think it would be the product of species and size. That being said, can I use my intuitive notion, and looking at the planted tank say "Yes, that looks like the density of plants isn't too great." On the other side of that coin, I think it would be possible to overstock with plants. In that situation you could look at the fish and see they have no room to swim. Are there any pictures on line that would show what a good, healthy planted tank looks like?
Thanks again
Never Quit

Well, look at the photos under "Aquariums" below my name on the left.

You partly answered your own question; the number of plants does depend upon what they are. I tend to put in more than will be needed later, and then remove some later (to other tanks). I like substrate-rooted plants because you plant them and that's it, they grow without any fussing. Swords are perfect for this; Vallisneria esp the Corkscrew Vallisneria, pygmy chain sword, crypts (though fussy with water fluctuations), and some others as accent.

Stem plants need regular trimming, some more than others, and higher light, so i shy away from most. Brazilian Pennywort though is a marvel; I bought one small cluster of 3-4 stems 2 years ago, and it took a while but once it settled and started to grow, wow. Since then I have tossed out enough to plant dozens of tanks. It is great floating.

Fish swimming room has to be considered; know what fish you intend, then buy plants accordingly. Click the shaded names above to see the plant profile, and browse the others for ideas.

The aquarist is one who must learn the ways of the biologist, the chemist, and the veterinarian.[unknown source]

Something we all need to remember: The fish you've acquired was quite happy not being owned by you, minding its own business. If you’re going to take it under your wing then you’re responsible for it. Every aspect of its life is under your control, from water quality and temperature to swimming space. [Nathan Hill in PFK]